What’s Stopping You From Learning Sign Language

What’s Stopping You From Learning Sign Language

By Rashiwe Chipurunyenye What is stopping you from learning sign language? That is the question each of us should be asking ourselves. From Monday (September 19) until Sunday (September 25) – the world is celebrating International Week of the Deaf. The day is celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and its national associations, and their affiliates globally during the last full week of September, culminating with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of the week. The focus is on improving the rights of deaf persons, the status of national sign languages, access to education, and access to information technology and services. This gives greater attention to deaf culture and the achievements of deaf people. To join our groups follow: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IvIl08uoaHYKVh4AQzv2AL Nhau/Indaba spoke to Chipo Basopo, the director of Chipawo, an organisation spearheading a programme known as Creative Corridors. Through the programme, it aims to raise awareness on the inclusion of children with disabilities socially, economically and politically. Said Basopo: “Section 4 of Chapter 6 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states that ‘the State must promote and advance the use of all languages used in Zimbabwe, including Sign Language, and must create conditions for the development of those languages’. “With focus firmly on deafness and deaf people buoyed by provisions of a national Constitution, Creative Corridors, with the aim of including children with disabilities in different socio-economic aspects of life, urges Zimbabweans to take a stand and spread deaf awareness on education, sign language and access to technology.” Inclusion seeks to address the impact of hearing loss on everyday life, specifically in environments where those...